My family is a divine huddle that God pulled together. Except for my husband, David, every one of us is adopted.I’m adopted, my two daughters were adopted at two days old, and all the glorious extras that populate our home and our lives feel adopted!
I remember back when the girls were small, I’d once in awhile run into a well-meaning but odd soul who would say something like “It’s such a wonderful ministry you are doing, giving those little girls a home.” I’m a polite person, so I’d usually say something in return such as “Well they sure bring sunshine to our house.” Ocassionally I’d be having a bad day and comment “They’re actually going back on the market…interested?” We’d laugh, and I’d go on my way. But the comment never made any sense to me. Kylie and Jillian aren’t a ministry, they are my daughters! Once you are family, it’s just all about the relationship, as it is in any family.
The other day I realized that all relationships are really like that. Once you open your heart and your life to a person, it doesn’t feel like ministry any more. It feels like friendship. And friendship is what carries you over the rough patches of life. Friendship is what says, “OK, you messed up yet again but I love you anyway. So what’s next?” I think sometimes I’m guilty of segregating the relationships in my life: I’ll adopt you into my life, but you over there, you’re a ministry.
Jeremy, my favorite barista at the coffee shop where I like to hang out, is moving on to another part off the state soon. I’m really, really sad to lose that nearly daily interaction with someone who’s so passionate for the kingdom. David and I will be sad to see our friend leave. In his place comes a new barista, one I haven’t met. Jeremy says we’ll love him. I realized that over this past year Jeremy has moved from being “a guy in the community” to being our friend. Now it’s time to open up that door again.
Life isn’t about networking and contacts and ministry. It’s about adoption.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
touching and awesome. Of all your posts…this one and the thought you’re developing needs to be the first that you add about 199 more pages to and slap on 2 covers!
Hi there,
My friend Maria sent me your link because she thought I would like this entry and I do!! I blog about our adoption in process at 1newfamily.blogspot.com and I would love to cite this entry if you wouldn’t mind. Please let me know if I have your permission.
Thanks and have a great day! BTW – I agree with you – Jeremy is a great guy and a great barista.
I so agree with big John Scott. (Also love his name as I’m married to a big John Scott!!!) As Believers, we are all adopted sons and daughters, grafted onto the vine, members of the body of Christ, not just being “unified” but actually ONE,….looking for others to graft on so that they too can be edified and ONE with the Father. So…when is the book coming out!?! I’ll buy the first copy!!!
How does “Grafted Into My Heart” sound?
I love Jeremy and Maria! You have my full permission to quote away!
Love that last sentence. Amen to that sister!